Camino Frances – Day 23 – Rabanal del Camino

Astorga to Rabanal del Camino


As we set out from Astorga on the Camino Frances, our path leads us through quaint villages and rolling countryside. Along the way, we pass by Valdeviejas, Murias de Rechivaldo, Santa Catalina de Somoza, and El Ganso. Today’s ascent totals approximately 928 feet (283 meters), with a fairly consistent incline throughout, offering few downhill stretches along the way. The route spans approximately 20.5 kilometers (12.7 miles), with an elevation gain from 2,848 feet (868 meters) in Astorga to 3,776 feet (1151 meters) in Rabanal del Camino. Walking alongside fellow pilgrims, we eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead, knowing that every mile unveils new experiences and revelations.

Valdeviejas

Camino Santiago outside Valdeviejas
Camino Santiago outside Valdeviejas

Valdeviejas, a quaint village situated to the right of the Camino, boasts a population of 129. To reach it, one must veer off at the Ermita del Ecce Homo. Along the way, they’ll come across the Ecce Homo Hostel.

Murias de Rechivaldo

Drinkind Fountain in Murias de Rechivaldo
Drinkind Fountain in Murias de Rechivaldo

Murias de Rechivaldo, a quaint village with a rich history, has stood for over six centuries. It is home for 113 residents. For a satisfying snack, Bar Cris comes highly recommended. With delicious dishes served daily from 8 a.m., it’s the perfect spot to recharge along the way.

Camino Frances between Murias de Rechivaldo and Santa Catalina de Somoza
Camino Frances between Murias de Rechivaldo and Santa Catalina de Somoza

Santa Catalina de Somoza

Crucero in Santa Catalina de Somoza
Crucero in Santa Catalina de Somoza


Santa Catalina de Somoza, with its population of 48 inhabitants, derives its name from Saint Catherine and its picturesque setting beneath the mountain.

El Ganso

Stork´s Nest on Iglesia de Santiago in El Ganso
Stork´s Nest on Iglesia de Santiago in El Ganso

El Ganso, with its population of 26 residents, is the smallest village we pass through today. Here stands the Iglesia de Santiago church, surrounded by many old stone houses, some of which have fallen into disrepair.

Rabanal del Camino

La Posada de Gaspar and Iglesia de la Asuncion in Rabanal del Camino
La Posada de Gaspar and Iglesia de la Asuncion in Rabanal del Camino

Rabanal del Camino is a small yet significant village along the Camino de Santiago. Various churches and monasteries testify to its historical importance. Despite its population of only 70 people, we counted 11 different accommodations, some of which also have a restaurant.

Valdeviejas – Where to stay – Pilgrims Hostels and Hotels

Ermita de Ecce Homo Valdeviejas
Ermita de Ecce Homo Valdeviejas

Albergue de Peregrinos Ecce Homo Valdeviejas

Municipal Hostel – 10 Beds in 4 Rooms – Reservations by phone at 0034 618445910 – Registration begins at 10:00 AM.

Murias de Rechivaldo – Where to stay – Pilgrims Hostels and Hotels

Camino Santiago in Murias de Rechivaldo
Camino Santiago in Murias de Rechivaldo

Albergue Municipal de Murias de Rechivaldo

Municipal Hostel – 10 Beds in 1 Room – Online Reservation – Registration begins at 11:00 AM.

Albergue / Casa Rural Las Aguedas Murias de Rechivaldo

Private Hostel – 30 Beds in 2 Rooms – 4 Private Rooms – Online Reservation – Registration begins at 1:00 PM.

Hotel Rural La Veleta Murias de Rechivaldo

Private Hotel – 5 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

Hosteria Casa Flor Murias de Rechivaldo

Private Hotel – 8 Private Rooms – Reservations by phone at 0034 987603148

Santa Catalina de Somoza – Where to stay – Pilgrims Hostels and Hotels

Santa Catalina de Somoza
Santa Catalina de Somoza

Albergue El Caminante Santa Catalina de Somoza

Private Hostel – 20 Beds in 2 Rooms – 12 Private Rooms – Online Reservation – Registration begins at 10:00 AM.

Albergue Hospederia San Blas Santa Catalina de Somoza

Private Hostel – 20 Beds in 2 Rooms – 8 Private Rooms – Reservations by phone at 0034 987691411 – Registration begins at 1:00 PM.

Albergue La Boheme Santa Catalina de Somoza

Private Hostel – 10 Beds in 2 Rooms – Reservations by phone at 0034 722233486 – Registration begins at 2:00 PM.

Hotel Rural Via Avis Santa Catalina de Somoza

Private Hotel – 6 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

El Ganso – Where to stay – Pilgrims Hostels and Hotels

Albergue Indian Way in El Ganso

Albergue Indian Way El Ganso

Private Hostel – 27 Beds in 3 Rooms (Tipis) – Reservations by phone at 0034 691545004 – Registration begins at 10:00 AM.

Albergue / Pension Gabino El Ganso

Private Hostel – 27 Beds in 3 Rooms – 3 Private Rooms – Reservations by phone at 0034 660912823 – Registration begins at 11:00 AM.

Albergue La Barraca El Ganso

Private Hostel – 12 Beds in 1 Room – 1 Private Room – Online Reservation – Registration begins at 12:00 PM.

Rabanal del Camino – Where to stay – Pilgrims Hostels and Hotels

Bunk Beds in Albergue Municipal de Rabanal del Camino
Bunk Beds in Albergue Municipal de Rabanal

Albergue Municipal Rabanal del Camino

Municipal Hostel – 36 Beds in 2 Rooms – Reservations by phone at 0034 655274613 – Registration begins at 11:00 AM.

Albergue El Pilar Rabanal del Camino

Private Hostel – 76 Beds in 2 Rooms – 4 Private Rooms – Online Reservation- Registration begins at 11:00 AM.

Albergue Refugio Gaucelmo

Parochial Hostel – 36 Beds in 3 Rooms – No Reservation – Registration begins at 12:00 PM.

Albergue La Senda in Rabanal del Camino
Albergue La Senda in Rabanal

Albergue La Senda Rabanal del Camino

Private Hostel – 24 Beds in 4 Rooms – Reservations by phone at 0034 – Registration begins at 10:00 AM.

El Refugio Hosteria Rabanal del Camino

Private Hotel – 16 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

La Posada de Gaspar Rabanal del Camino

Private Hotel – 14 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

Casona Rural Rabanal Oca

Private Hotel – 6 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

Casa Indie Rabanal del Camino

Private Hotel – 5 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

Posada El Tesin Rabanal del Camino

Private Hotel – 5 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

The Stone Boat Rabanal del Camino

Private Hotel – 3 Private Rooms – Online Reservation

Apartamentos Las Carballedas in Rabanal del Camino
Apartamentos Las Carballedas about 0.8 miles before reaching Rabanal

Apartamentos Las Carballedas Rabanal

Private Hotel – 10 Apartments – Online Reservation

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